WC Wisconsin News

A new initiative by La Crosse County Human Services aims to address homelessness and secure funding for housing solutions. The Specialized Behavioral Health Unit, consisting of six staff members, focuses on the Pathways Home plan, a city-county response to homelessness launched last year.

During the initial stages of Pathways Home, it was found that many individuals returned to homelessness after being housed. "The main reason wasn’t that people didn’t want housing," said Jason Witt, La Crosse County Human Services Director. "It was that they lacked the support and case management services needed to maintain it."

The unit, led by Supervisor Ryan Ross since August 2024, includes social workers and a clinical therapist who operate within the community rather than traditional offices. "These workers don’t have traditional offices," Ross said. "Their offices are park benches, parking ramps, encampments and shelters."

The team provides behavioral health support, housing navigation services, and engagement efforts for those uncertain about seeking help. Since starting full-scale outreach last fall, over 170 people have been engaged by the unit. Of these, 18 have secured permanent housing.

Ross shared stories of individuals assisted by the team: one man navigated from detox to sober living with their help; another received guidance in securing housing after losing his job.

La Crosse County's early adoption of a Medicaid housing support waiver (1915(i)) allows eligible homeless individuals to receive up to 150 hours of housing navigation support and post-housing stabilization assistance.

The unit collaborates with partners like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities but faces challenges as nearly 46% of contacts disengage. However, Ross emphasized their ongoing presence: "We often see people come back months later... And we are."

Efforts continue to recruit peer support specialists while addressing barriers such as past legal involvement that hinder access to rentals. "There’s a huge need for low-barrier, specialized housing," Ross noted.

As Medicaid services expand and peer roles are integrated, leaders focus on long-term responses driven by data and compassion. Witt highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative: "This is a community issue... It’s a partnership."

Pathways Home has reduced La Crosse's homeless population by 16% since November through coordinated efforts supported by county-city-private funding partnerships.

For more information or inquiries about services offered by La Crosse County Human Services call 608-784-HELP/608-784-4357 or visit lacrossecounty.org/pathwayshome.